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Updated: Feb 16, 2026

P50 Sensory Gating in Infants
Published on: December 26, 2013
Investigation of the Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Motor Development in Preterm Infants
Halil Ibrahim Celik1, Bulent Elbasan2, Kivilcim Gucuyener3
1Halil Ibrahim Celik, MSc, PT, is PhD Candidate, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey; fizyoterapist70@gmail.com.
Insights
Sensory processing and motor development are strongly linked in preterm infants. Early evaluation of both is crucial for effective physiotherapy interventions in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Development
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Preterm infants often exhibit developmental challenges.
- Sensory processing and motor skills are fundamental to infant development.
- Understanding their interrelation is key for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between sensory processing and motor development in preterm infants.
- To establish the significance of this relationship for clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 30 preterm and 30 term infants (10-12 months corrected age) was studied.
- Sensory processing was assessed using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants.
- Motor development was evaluated with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation (r = .63, p < .001) was found between sensory processing and motor development in preterm infants.
- This indicates that better sensory processing is associated with enhanced motor skills in this group.
Conclusions:
- The strong relationship underscores the need to assess both sensory processing and motor development in preterm infants.
- Integrated assessment is vital for guiding targeted physiotherapy interventions.
- Early identification and intervention can potentially improve developmental outcomes for preterm infants.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between sensory processing and motor development in preterm infants.
Method:
We included 30 preterm and 30 term infants with corrected and chronological ages between 10 and 12 mo. We used the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants to evaluate sensory processing and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale to evaluate motor development.
Results:
The Spearman correlation test indicated a strong positive relationship between sensory processing and motor development in preterm infants (r = .63, p < .001).
Conclusion:
Given the relationship between sensory processing and motor development in the preterm group, the evaluation of sensory processing and motor development in preterm infants was considered necessary for the effective implementation of physiotherapy assessment and interventions.
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